Tamper resistant pharmaceutical formulations

ABSTRACT

Disclosed in certain embodiments is a solid oral dosage form comprising a plurality of particles, each particle comprising (i) a core comprising an active agent susceptible to abuse and an internal adhesion promoter, wherein the cores are (i) dispersed in a matrix comprising a controlled release material or (ii) coated with a controlled release material. The dosage form can also include an alcohol resistant material.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of pharmaceutical dosage forms that are resistant to tampering, abuse and/or alcohol dose dumping.

BACKGROUND

Pharmaceutical products are sometimes the subject of abuse. For example, a particular dose of opioid agonist may be more potent when administered parenterally as compared to the same dose administered orally. Some formulations can be tampered with to provide the opioid agonist contained therein for illicit use. Opioid agonist formulations intended for oral use are sometimes crushed or subject to extraction with solvents (e.g., ethanol) by drug abusers to provide the opioid contained therein for non-prescribed illicit use (e.g., nasal or parenteral administration).

Controlled release oral dosage forms are sought out by abusers as the crushing of the dosage form may liberate an amount of active agent otherwise intended for prolonged release (e.g., 12 to 24 hours), making it immediately available. The immediate availability upon crushing may also make controlled release dosage forms more dangerous due to the possibility of accidental overdose.

There have previously been attempts in the art to control the abuse potential associated with opioid analgesics. For example, the combination of pentazocine and naloxone has been utilized in tablets available in the United States, commercially available as Talwin® Nx from Sanofi-Winthrop. Talwin® Nx contains pentazocine hydrochloride equivalent to 50 mg base and naloxone hydrochloride equivalent to 0.5 mg base. Talwin® Nx is indicated for the relief of moderate to severe pain. The amount of naloxone present in this combination has low activity when taken orally, and minimally interferes with the pharmacologic action of pentazocine. However, this amount of naloxone given parenterally has profound antagonistic action to narcotic analgesics. Thus, the inclusion of naloxone is intended to curb a form of misuse of oral pentazocine which occurs when the dosage form is solubilized and injected. Therefore, this dosage has lower potential for parenteral misuse than previous oral pentazocine formulations. A fixed combination therapy comprising tilidine (50 mg) and naloxone (4 mg) has been available in Germany for the management of severe pain since 1978 (Valoron® N, Goedecke). The rationale for the combination of these drugs is effective pain relief and the prevention of tilidine addiction through naloxone-induced antagonisms at the morphine receptor. A fixed combination of buprenorphine and naloxone was introduced in 1991 in New Zealand (Temgesic® Nx, Reckitt & Colman) for the treatment of pain.

Commonly owned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20090081290 is directed to opioid formulations that are resistant to crushing in attempts to liberate the drug contained therein for illicit use.

Commonly owned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20030068375 is directed to opioid formulations that in certain embodiments include a gelling agent in an effective amount to impart a viscosity unsuitable for administration selected from the group consisting of parenteral and nasal administration to a solubilized mixture formed when the dosage form is crushed and mixed with from about 0.5 to about 10 ml of an aqueous liquid.

There exists a need in the art for a controlled release dosage form containing a drug susceptible to abuse that is resistant to providing an immediate release of the drug upon tampering. In the case of opioid analgesics, there exists a need for a tamper resistant formulation that does not solely rely upon the inclusion of an antagonist in the formulation to deter abuse.

All references described herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a solid oral dosage form comprising a drug susceptible to abuse (e.g., an opioid analgesic), which is tamper-resistant.

It is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a solid oral dosage form comprising a drug susceptible to abuse (e.g., an opioid analgesic), which is subject to less oral abuse than other dosage forms.

It is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a solid oral dosage form comprising a drug susceptible to abuse (e.g., an opioid analgesic), which is subject to less parenteral abuse than other dosage forms.

It is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a solid oral dosage form comprising a drug susceptible to abuse (e.g., an opioid analgesic), which is subject to less intranasal abuse than other dosage forms.

It is a further object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a solid oral dosage form comprising a drug susceptible to abuse (e.g., an opioid analgesic), which is subject to less diversion than other dosage forms.

It is a further object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a method of treating pain in human patients with a solid oral dosage form comprising an opioid analgesic while reducing the abuse potential of the dosage form.

It is a further object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a solid oral dosage form comprising a drug susceptible to abuse (e.g., an opioid analgesic), which is resistant to dose dumping in the presence of alcohol.

It is another object of certain embodiments of the present invention to treat a disease or condition (e.g., pain) by administering a solid oral dosage form as disclosed herein to a patient in need thereof.

It is another object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a method of manufacturing an oral dosage form of a drug susceptible to abuse (e.g., an opioid analgesic) as disclosed herein.

It is another object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a use of a medicament (e.g., an opioid analgesic) in the manufacture of a tamper-resistant dosage form as disclosed herein for the treatment of a disease state (e.g., pain).

In other embodiments, the invention is directed to a method of preparing the solid oral dosage forms disclosed herein, e.g., in tablet or capsule form.

In further embodiments, the present invention is directed to a method of treating a disease or condition (e.g., pain, diarrhea or constipation) comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an oral dosage form as disclosed herein.

One or more of the above objects, and others can be achieved by the present invention which in certain embodiments is directed to a solid oral dosage form comprising a plurality of particles, each particle comprising a core comprising an active agent susceptible to abuse and an internal adhesion promoter, wherein the cores are dispersed in a matrix comprising a controlled release material. In other embodiments, the solid oral dosage form comprises a plurality of particles, each particle comprising (i) a core comprising an active agent susceptible to abuse and an internal adhesion promoter and (ii) a controlled release coating comprising a controlled release material layered on the core. In each embodiment, the internal adhesion promoter promotes the adhesion of the active agent and the controlled release material.

In certain embodiments, the present invention is directed to a solid oral dosage form comprising a plurality of particles, each particle comprising a core comprising an active agent susceptible to abuse, a dissolution enhancer and an internal adhesion promoter, wherein the cores are dispersed in a matrix comprising a controlled release material. In other embodiments, the solid oral dosage form comprises a plurality of particles, each particle comprising (i) a core comprising an active agent susceptible to abuse, a dissolution enhancer and an internal adhesion promoter and (ii) a controlled release coating comprising a controlled release material layered on the core.

In certain embodiments, the present invention is directed to a solid oral dosage form comprising a plurality of particles, each particle comprising a core comprising an active agent susceptible to abuse and an internal adhesion promoter, wherein the cores are dispersed in a matrix comprising a controlled release material and a pore former. In other embodiments, the solid oral dosage form comprises a plurality of particles, each particle comprising (i) a core comprising an active agent susceptible to abuse, an internal adhesion promoter and a dissolution enhancer and (ii) a controlled release coating comprising a controlled release material and a pore former, layered on the core.

In certain embodiments, the present invention is directed to a solid oral dosage form comprising a plurality of particles, each particle comprising a core comprising an active agent susceptible to abuse, a dissolution enhancer and an internal adhesion promoter, wherein the cores are dispersed in a matrix comprising a controlled release material and an alcohol resistant material. In one embodiment, the cores can first be dispersed in the controlled release material (and optional pore former) with the resultant dispersion further dispersed in the alcohol resistant material or vice versa. In another embodiment, the cores can be dispersed simultaneously with both the controlled release material and the alcohol resistant material. In other embodiments, the solid oral dosage form comprises a plurality of particles, each particle comprising (i) a core comprising an active agent susceptible to abuse, an internal adhesion promoter and a dissolution enhancer, (ii) a controlled release coating comprising a controlled release material and a pore former, layered on the core and (iii) an alcohol resistant coating comprising an alcohol resistant material layered over the controlled release coating.

In certain embodiments, the present invention is directed to a solid oral dosage form comprising a plurality of particles, each particle comprising a core comprising an active agent susceptible to abuse, a dissolution enhancer and an internal adhesion promoter, wherein the core is dispersed in a matrix comprising a controlled release material, an alcohol resistant material and an external adhesion promoter. In one embodiment, the cores can first be dispersed in the controlled release material (and optional pore former) with the resultant dispersion further dispersed in the alcohol resistant material and external adhesion promoter (or vice versa). In another embodiment, the cores can be dispersed simultaneously with the controlled release material and the alcohol resistant material (and the optional external adhesion promoter). In other embodiments, the solid oral dosage form comprises a plurality of particles, each particle comprising (i) a core comprising an active agent susceptible to abuse, an internal adhesion promoter and a dissolution enhancer, (ii) a controlled release coating comprising a controlled release material and a pore former, layered on the core and (iii) an alcohol resistant coating comprising an alcohol resistant material and an external adhesion promoter layered over the controlled release coating.

In certain embodiments, the present invention is directed to a solid oral dosage form comprising a plurality of particles, each particle comprising a core comprising an opioid agonist and a carbomer, wherein the core is dispersed in a matrix comprising a neutral acrylic polymer, a pore former, an alkylcellulose and a carbomer. In one embodiment, the cores can first be dispersed in the neutral acrylic polymer (and optional pore former) with the resultant dispersion further dispersed in the allylcellulose (and optional carbomer) (or vice versa). In another embodiment, the cores can be dispersed simultaneously with the neutral acrylic polymer and the alkylcellulose. In other embodiments, the solid oral dosage form comprises a plurality of particles, each particle comprising (i) a core comprising an opioid agonist and a carbomer; (ii) a controlled release coating comprising a neutral acrylic polymer and a pore former; and (iii) an alcohol resistant coating comprising an alkylcellulose and a carbomer.

In certain embodiments, the present invention is directed to a process for preparing a solid oral dosage form comprising preparing a plurality of particles by (i) granulating an opioid agonist and a carbomer to form core granules; (ii) mixing, granulating or coating the core granules with a neutral acrylic polymer and lactose to obtain controlled release particles (e.g., granules; (iii) mixing, granulating or coating the controlled release particles with methylcellulose and a carbomer to obtain alcohol resistant controlled release particles (e.g., granules); and (iv) compressing the alcohol resistant controlled release particles into a tablet or containing the particles in a capsule.

In certain embodiments, the solid oral dosage forms disclosed herein provide a controlled release of the active agent contained therein such that the dosage form is suitable for administration on a once daily (Q.D.) or twice daily (B.I.D.) basis.

In describing the present invention, the following terms are to be used as indicated below. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a drug susceptible to abuse” includes a single active agent as well as a mixture of two or more different active agents, and reference to a “gelling agent” includes a single gelling agent as well as a mixture of two or more different gelling agents, and the like.

As used herein, the terms “active agent,” “active ingredient,” “pharmaceutical agent,” and “drug” refer to any material that is intended to produce a therapeutic, prophylactic, or other intended effect, whether or not approved by a government agency for that purpose. These terms with respect to specific agents include all pharmaceutically active agents, all pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and all complexes, stereoisomers, crystalline forms, amorphous form, cocrystals, ether, esters, hydrates and solvates thereof, and mixtures thereof, which produce the intended effect.

As used herein, the terms “therapeutically effective” refers to the amount of drug or the rate of drug administration needed to produce a desired therapeutic result.

As used herein, the terms “prophylactically effective” refers to the amount of drug or the rate of drug administration needed to produce a desired prophylactic result.

As used herein, the term “stereoisomers” is a general term for all isomers of individual molecules that differ only in the orientation of their atoms in space. It includes enantiomers and isomers of compounds with one or more chiral centers that are not mirror images of one another (diastereomers).

The term “enantiomer” or “enantiomeric” refers to a molecule that is nonsuperimposable on its mirror image and hence optically active wherein the enantiomer rotates the plane of polarized light in one direction by a certain degree, and its mirror image rotates the plane of polarized light by the same degree but in the opposite direction.

The term “chiral center” refers to a carbon atom to which four different groups are attached.

The term “patient” means a subject who has presented a clinical manifestation of a particular symptom or symptoms suggesting the need for treatment, who is treated preventatively or prophylactically for a condition, or who has been diagnosed with a condition to be treated.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable salts” include, but are not limited to, inorganic acid salts such as hydrochloride, hydrobromide, sulfate, phosphate and the like; organic acid salts such as formate, acetate, trifluoroacetate, maleate, tartrate and the like; sulfonates such as methanesulfonate, benzenesulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate and the like; amino acid salts such as arginate, asparaginate, glutamate and the like; metal salts such as sodium salt, potassium salt, cesium salt and the like; alkaline earth metals such as calcium salt, magnesium salt and the like; and organic amine salts such as triethylamine salt, pyridine salt, picoline salt, ethanolamine salt, triethanolamine salt, discyclohexylamine salt, N,N′-dibenzylethylenediamine salt and the like.

The term “subject” is inclusive of the definition of the term “patient” and does not exclude individuals who are entirely normal in all respects or with respect to a particular condition.

The term “ppm” as used herein means “parts per million”. Regarding 14-hydroxycodeinone, “ppm” means parts per million of 14-hydroxycodeinone in a particular sample product. The 14-hydroxycodeinone level can be determined by any method known in the art, preferably by HPLC analysis using UV detection.

The term “recovery” means the amount of drug obtained from the resultant solution of a tampered dosage form (e.g., crushing and mixing in 5 mL solvent) upon aspiration with a 27 gauge needle.

The term “tampering” means a manipulation by mechanical, thermal, and/or chemical means to obtain a solution of drug available for illicit use. The tampering can be, e.g., by means of crushing and mixing then dosage form with a solvent (with or without heat), or by dissolution of an intact dosage form in a solvent (with or without heat).

The term “adhesion promoter” means a compound that maintains an interaction (e.g., chemical or physical) between two other compounds to maintain a desired characteristic of the interacted compounds. For example, an adhesion promoter of the present invention (e.g., carbomer, either internally or externally) maintains the interaction between the active agent and the controlled release material such that a controlled release of the active agent is maintained, even when the dosage form is crushed in an attempt to liberate the active agent for an immediate release. In another example, an adhesion promoter of the present invention (e.g., carbomer either internally or externally) maintains the interaction between the controlled release material and the alcohol resistant material such that the dosage form does not dose dump in the presence of alcohol.

The term “internal adhesion promoter” means a compound that is an adhesion promoter and is contained in the core of the dosage forms disclosed herein.

The term “external adhesion promoter” means a compound that is an adhesion promoter and is contained outside the core of the dosage forms disclosed herein

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A depicts a graphical representation of crush resistance of a formulation without an adhesion promoter.

FIG. 1B depicts a graphical representation of crush resistance of a formulation with HPMC as the adhesion promoter.

FIG. 1C depicts a graphical representation of crush resistance of a formulation with Nonoxynol 9 as the adhesion promoter.

FIG. 1D depicts a graphical representation of crush resistance of a formulation with carbopol as the adhesion promoter.

FIG. 2 depicts a graphical representation of the dissolution of the formulations of Example 1B in SGF.

FIG. 3A depicts a graphical representation of the dissolution of the formulation of Example 1C with granules >600 μm in SGF.

FIG. 3B depicts a graphical representation of the dissolution of the formulation of Example 1C with granules <600 μm in SGF.

FIG. 4A depicts a graphical representation of the dissolution of the formulation of Example 1C with granules >600 μm with carbopol in SGF.

FIG. 4B depicts a graphical representation of the dissolution of the formulation of Example 1C with granules <600 μm with carbopol in SGF.

FIG. 5 is a graphical depiction of the dissolution of the formulation of Example 1C with carbopol in 40% EtOH/SGF.

FIG. 6 is a graphical depiction of the dissolution of the formulation of Example 1D in 40% EtOH/SGF.

FIG. 7 is a graphical depiction of the dissolution of the formulation of Example 1E without carbopol in the external layer in 40% EtOH/SGF.

FIG. 8 is a graphical depiction of the dissolution of the formulation of Example 1E with carbopol in the external layer in 40% EtOH/SGF.

FIG. 9 is a graphical depiction of the dissolution of the formulation of Example 1E with additional carbopol in the external layer in 40% EtOH/SGF.

FIG. 10 is a graphical depiction of the dissolution of the formulation of Example 1E in SGF.

FIG. 11 is a graphical depiction of the dissolution of the formulation of Example 1E after milling in SGF.

FIG. 12A is a graphical depiction of the dissolution of the tablet formulation of Example 2 intact and crushed and milled in SGF.

FIG. 12B is a graphical depiction of the dissolution of the tablet formulation of Example 2 intact and crushed and milled in alcohol/SGF.

FIG. 13A is a graphical depiction of the extraction data from Example 3 after 10 minutes.

FIG. 13B is a graphical depiction of the extraction data from Example 3 after 60 minutes.

FIG. 14 is a graphical depiction of the syringability data from Example 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Controlled release dosage forms play a vital part in the management of both acute and chronic conditions (e.g., pain management with opioid analgesics). Therefore, it is important to provide a tamper-resistant controlled release dosage form of a drug susceptible to abuse that may be utilized to provide effective plasma levels to a patient according to an intended release profile, while not being susceptible to significant dose dumping when the dosage form is crushed in an attempt to liberate the active agent contained therein for illicit use.

In certain embodiments, the dosage forms contained herein provide an in-vitro dissolution of the active agent contained therein indicative of a controlled release profile such that it can be administered on a once daily or twice daily basis. By virtue of the present invention, when the dosage form is crushed according to the methods disclosed herein, the in-vitro dissolution profile is maintained, decreased or not significantly increased (e.g., by no more than a 30% increase at 1 hour), such that the administration of a crushed dosage form would not likely provide any more of a euphoric effect than the administration of an intact dosage form.

In certain embodiments, the dosage forms contained herein provide an in-vitro dissolution of the active agent contained therein indicative of a controlled release profile and when the dosage form is subject to dissolution in an alcohol containing solvent (e.g., SGF with 40% EtOH) according to the methods disclosed herein, the in-vitro dissolution profile is maintained, decreased or not significantly increased (e.g., by no more than a 20% increase at 1 hour), such that the administration of dosage form with alcohol would not dose dump and would not likely provide any more of a euphoric effect than the administration of an intact dosage form. This attribute would also deter the tampering of the dosage form by dissolution in an alcohol containing solvent in an attempt to liberate the active agent contained therein for illicit use.

In certain embodiment, the present invention is directed to a solid oral dosage form comprising a plurality of particles, each particle comprising a core comprising an active agent susceptible to abuse and an internal adhesion promoter, wherein the cores are dispersed in a matrix comprising a controlled release material. In other embodiments, the solid oral dosage form comprises a plurality of particles, each particle comprising (i) a core comprising an active agent susceptible to abuse (e.g., an opioid agonist) and (ii) a controlled release coating comprising a controlled release material layered on the core. The core may further comprise an internal or external adhesion promoter to promote the adhesion of the active agent and the controlled release material such that a controlled release profile is provided when the dosage form is administered intact and/or the dissolution profile is not significantly changed when the dosage form is tampered with in an attempt to liberate the active agent contained thereof or illicit use.

The core of the particles can also contain a dissolution enhancer to balance the controlled release provided by the controlled release material, such that enough active agent is released from the dosage form to provide a desired release profile and pharmacodynamic response.

In addition to, or in place of the dissolution enhancer in the dosage form, the controlled release coating of the particles may include a pore former, that also may act to enhance the release of the active agent contained therein such that enough active agent is released from the dosage form to provide a desired release profile and pharmacodynamic response.

In embodiments that are resistant to dissolution in alcohol containing solvents, such resistance can be provided by an alcohol resistant material mixed or granulated with, or coated over the controlled release material. The alcohol resistant material may further comprise an external adhesion promoter to promote the adhesion of the alcohol resistant material and the controlled release material in order to obtain, enhance or maintain the alcohol resistance characteristics of the dosage form.

In certain embodiments, the controlled release material is a polymer that can modify the release rate of the active agent contained therein. Examples of polymers that can be utilized to modify the release of the active agent include pharmaceutically acceptable cellulosic polymers, including but not limited to alkyl celluloses, cellulose esters, cellulose diesters, cellulose triesters, cellulose ethers, cellulose ester-ethers, cellulose acylates, cellulose diacylates, cellulose triacylates, cellulose acetates, cellulose diacetates, cellulose triacetates, cellulose acetate propionates, cellulose acetate butyrates and mixtures thereof.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the controlled release polymer is a pharmaceutically acceptable acrylic polymer selected without limitation from acrylic acid and methacrylic acid copolymers, methyl methacrylate copolymers, ethoxyethyl methacrylates, cyanoethyl methacrylate, aminoalkyl methacrylate copolymer, poly(acrylic acid), poly(methacrylic acid), methacrylic acid alkylamide copolymer, poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(methacrylic acid) (anhydride), methyl methacrylate, polymethacrylate, poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymer, polyacrylamide, aminoalkyl methacrylate copolymer, poly(methacrylic acid anhydride), glycidyl methacrylate copolymers, and mixtures of any of the foregoing. Preferably, the acrylic polymer is a neutral acrylic polymer (e.g., Eudragit NE 30 D®, Eudragit NE 40 D® or Eudragit NM 30 D®), which can also provide crush-resistant characteristics to the individual particles. However, when the particles are crush resistant and compressed into a tablet, the tablet breaks apart wherein the tablet is subject to a typical force used in tampering. In certain embodiments, the tablet has a breaking strength of less than about 400N, less than about 350N, less than about 300N or less than about 250N.

The internal adhesion promoter may be selected from the group consisting of a cellulosic material, a surfactant, a carbomer and a mixture thereof. In certain embodiments, the cellulosic material used as an internal adhesion promoter is hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. In certain embodiments, the surfactant used as an internal adhesion promoter is a non-ionic surfactant such as a nonoxynol (e.g., nonoxynol-9) or a sorbitan ester (e.g., Span 20®) and a mixture thereof.

In a particular embodiment, the internal adhesion promoter is an anionic polymer such as a polyacrylic acid. The polyacrylic acid can be a homopolymer and can be optionally crosslinked with a crosslinking agent (referred to as a carbomer). The cross-linking agent can be a polyalcohol allyl ether such as an allyl ether pentaerythritol, an allyl ether of sucrose, an allyl ether of propylene or a mixture thereof.

The dissolution enhancer, when utilized in the present invention, can be a pharmaceutically acceptable cellulosic polymer, including but not limited to alkyl celluloses, cellulose esters, cellulose diesters, cellulose triesters, cellulose ethers, cellulose ester-ethers, cellulose acylates, cellulose diacylates, cellulose triacylates, cellulose acetates, cellulose diacetates, cellulose triacetates, cellulose acetate propionates, cellulose acetate butyrates and mixtures thereof. In a particular embodiment, the dissolution enhancer is methylcellulose.

The pore former, when utilized in the present invention, can be a water soluble material that enhances release by creating channels or passageways in the controlled release coating, or by otherwise weakening the integrity of the coating upon exposure to an environmental fluid. The pore former can be a polysaccharide such as lactose, dextrose, mannitol or mixture thereof, a cellulosic material such as microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose or a mixture thereof, or a material such as polyvinyl alcohol.

The alcohol resistant material utilized in the present invention can be any pharmaceutically acceptable material that is capable of providing resistance to dissolution in an alcohol containing solvent. The alcohol resistant material may be an alkylcellulose such as methylcellulose.

The external adhesion promoter may be selected from the group consisting of a cellulosic material, a surfactant, a carbomer and a mixture thereof. The external adhesion promoter can be the same or different than the internal adhesion promoter. In certain embodiments, the cellulosic material used as an external adhesion promoter is hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. In certain embodiments, the surfactant used as an external adhesion promoter is a non-ionic surfactant such as a nonoxynol (e.g., nonoxynol-9) or a sorbitan ester (e.g., Span 20®) and a mixture thereof.

In a particular embodiment, the external adhesion promoter is an anionic polymer such as a polyacrylic acid. The polyacrylic acid can be a homopolymer and can be optionally crosslinked with a crosslinking agent (a carbomer). The cross-linking agent can be a polyalcohol allyl ether such as an allyl ether pentaerythritol, an allyl ether of sucrose, an allyl ether of propylene or a mixture thereof.

A unit dose of a plurality of particles of the present invention can be administered in any suitable form, e.g., in a capsule (e.g., a gelatin capsule), contained in a powder paper, or compressed into a tablet.

The dosage forms of the present invention can be prepared by mixing the active agent and the adhesion promoter together to form a plurality of cores. The cores can be prepared by granulating the materials to form core granules, by compression of a mixture of the components, or by layering the components over an inert substance such as non-pareil beads.

The core granules can then be mixed, granulated or coated with the controlled release material and the optional pore former to obtain controlled release particles. This process may include spray coating the core particles (e.g., core granules) with the controlled release material and optional pore former or by granulating the core particles with the controlled release material and optional pore former.

The controlled release particles can then be mixed, granulated or coated with alcohol resistant material to obtain alcohol resistant controlled release particles. This process may include spray coating the controlled release particles (e.g., controlled release granules) with the alcohol resistant material and optional external adhesion promoter or by granulating the controlled release particles with the alcohol resistant material and optional external adhesion promoter.

The alcohol resistant controlled release particles can then be contained within a pharmaceutically acceptable capsule or compressed into a tablet.

In certain embodiments, the weight ratio of the active agent to the controlled release material is from about 2:1 to about 1:100; from about 1:5 to about 1:50; from about 1:1 to about 1:75 or from about 1:10 to about 1:30.

In certain embodiments, the particles can have a mean diameter from about 0.1 mm to about 2 mm; from about 0.2 mm to about 1 mm; or from about 0.3 mm to about 0.8 mm.

In certain embodiments, the solid oral dosage form of the present invention comprises from about 0.1% to about 80% (w/w) active agent; from about 0.5% to about 60% (w/w) active agent; from about 1% to about 40% (w/w) active agent; from about 0.1% to about 30% (w/w) active agent; from about 0.5% to about 20% (w/w) active agent; from about 1% to about 10% (w/w) active agent or from about 1% to about 5% active agent.

In certain embodiments, the solid oral dosage form of the present invention comprises from about 10% to about 90% (w/w) controlled release material; from about 25% to about 75% (w/w) controlled release material; or from about 40% to about 60% (w/w) controlled release material.

In certain embodiments, the solid oral dosage form of the present invention comprises from about 0.05% to about 10% (w/w) internal adhesion promoter; from about 0.1% to about 5 (w/w) internal adhesion promoter; or from about 0.5% to about 3% (w/w) internal adhesion promoter.

In certain embodiments, the solid oral dosage form of the present invention comprises from about 1% to about 40% (w/w) dissolution enhancer; from about 5% to about 30% (w/w) dissolution enhancer; or from about 10% to about 20% (w/w) dissolution enhancer.

In certain embodiments, the solid oral dosage form of the present invention comprises from about 0.5% to about 25% (w/w) pore former; from about 1% to about 15% (w/w) pore former; or from about 2% to about 10% (w/w) pore former.

In certain embodiments, the solid oral dosage form of the present invention comprises from about 1% to about 50% (w/w) alcohol resistant material; from about 5% to about 40% (w/w) alcohol resistant material; or from about 10% to about 30% (w/w) alcohol resistant material.

In certain embodiments, the solid oral dosage form of the present invention comprises from about 0.5% to about 15% (w/w) external adhesion promoter; from about 1% to about 10% (w/w) external adhesion promoter; or from about 2% to about 8% (w/w) external adhesion promoter.

In certain embodiments, the solid oral dosage form of the present invention provides a dissolution release rate in-vitro of the active agent, when measured by the USP Type 2, Paddle Method at 50 rpm in 900 ml Simulated Gastric Fluid (SGF) without enzymes at 37° C. of at least about 15% by weight of the active agent released at 1 hour, from about 25% to about 65% by weight of the active agent released at 2 hours, from about 45% to about 85% by weight of the active agent released at 4 hours, and at least about 60% by weight of the active agent released at 8 hours.

In certain embodiments, the solid oral dosage form of the present invention provides a dissolution release rate in-vitro of the active agent, when measured by the USP Type 2, Paddle Method at 50 rpm in 900 ml Simulated Gastric Fluid (SGF) without enzymes at 37° C. of at least about 20% by weight of the active agent released at 4 hours, from about 20% to about 65% by weight of the active agent released at 8 hours, from about 45% to about 85% by weight of the active agent released at 12 hours, and at least about 80% by weight of the active agent released at 24 hours.

In certain embodiments, the amount of active agent released from the dosage forms of the present invention at 0.5 hour, 1 hour, 2 hours and/or 4 hours when measured in a USP Type 2, Paddle Method at 50 rpm in 900 ml simulated gastric fluid (SGF) without enzymes with 40% ethanol at 37° C., is within 30% (higher or lower) of the amount of active agent released at the same time period when measured in a USP Type 2, Paddle Method at 50 rpmin 900 ml simulated gastric fluid without enzymes (SGF) with 0% ethanol at 37°.

In certain embodiments, the amount of active agent released from the dosage forms of the present invention at 0.5 hour, 1 hour, 2 hours and/or 4 hours when measured in a USP Type 2, Paddle Method at 50 rpm in 900 ml simulated gastric fluid (SGF) without enzymes with 40% ethanol at 37° C., is within 25% of the amount of active agent released at the same time period when measured in a USP Type 2, Paddle Method at 50 rpm in 900 ml simulated gastric fluid without enzymes (SGF) with 0% ethanol at 37°.

In certain embodiments, the amount of active agent released from the dosage forms of the present invention at 0.5 hour, 1 hour, 2 hours and/or 4 hours when measured in a USP Type 2, Paddle Method at 50 rpm in 900 ml simulated gastric fluid (SGF) without enzymes with 40% ethanol at 37° C., is within 20% of the amount of active agent released at the same time period when measured in a USP Type 2, Paddle Method at 50 rpm in 900 ml simulated gastric fluid without enzymes (SGF) with 0% ethanol at 37°.

In certain embodiments, the amount of active agent released from the dosage forms of the present invention at 0.5 hour, 1 hour, 2 hours and/or 4 hours when measured in a USP Type 2, Paddle Method at 50 rpm in 900 ml simulated gastric fluid (SGF) without enzymes with 40% ethanol at 37° C., is within 10% of the amount of active agent released at the same time period when measured in a USP Type 2, Paddle Method at 50 rpm in 900 ml simulated gastric fluid without enzymes (SGF) with 0% ethanol at 37°.

In certain embodiments, the amount of active agent released from the dosage forms of the present invention at 0.5 hour, 1 hour, 2 hours and/or 4 hours when measured in a USP Type 2, Paddle Method at 50 rpm in 900 ml simulated gastric fluid (SGF) without enzymes with 40% ethanol at 37° C., is within 5% of the amount of active agent released at the same time period when measured in a USP Type 2, Paddle Method at 50 rpm in 900 ml simulated gastric fluid without enzymes (SGF) with 0% ethanol at 37°.

In certain embodiments, the amount of active agent released at 0.5 hour, 1 hour, 2 hours or 4 hours when measured in a USP Type 2, Paddle Method at 50 rpm in 900 ml simulated gastric fluid (SGF) without enzymes with 40% ethanol at 37° C., is less than the amount of active agent released at the same time period when measured in a USP Type 2, Paddle Method at 50 rpm in 900 ml simulated gastric fluid without enzymes (SGF) with 0% ethanol at 37°.

In certain embodiments, the amount of active agent released from a crushed dosage form at 0.5 hour, 1 hour, 2 hours or 4 hours when measured in a USP Type 2, Paddle Method at 50 rpm in 900 ml simulated gastric fluid (SGF) without enzymes at 37° C., is within 30% of the amount of active agent released from an intact dosage form at the same time period when measured in a USP Type 2, Paddle Method at 50 rpm in 900 ml simulated gastric fluid without enzymes (SGF) with 0% ethanol at 37°.

In certain embodiments, the amount of active agent released from a crushed dosage form at 0.5 hour, 1 hour, 2 hours or 4 hours when measured in a USP Type 2, Paddle Method at 50 rpm in 900 ml simulated gastric fluid (SGF) without enzymes at 37° C., is within 25% of the amount of active agent released from an intact dosage form at the same time period when measured in a USP Type 2, Paddle Method at 50 rpm at 100 rpm in 900 ml simulated gastric fluid without enzymes (SGF) with 0% ethanol at 37°.

In certain embodiments, the amount of active agent released from a crushed dosage form at 0.5 hour, 1 hour, 2 hours or 4 hours when measured in a USP Type 2, Paddle Method at 50 rpm in 900 ml simulated gastric fluid (SGF) without enzymes at 37° C., is within 20% of the amount of active agent released from an intact dosage form at the same time period when measured in a USP Type 2, Paddle Method at 50 rpm in 900 ml simulated gastric fluid without enzymes (SGF) with 0% ethanol at 37°.

In certain embodiments, the amount of active agent released from a crushed dosage form at 0.5 hour, 1 hour, 2 hours or 4 hours when measured in a USP Type 2, Paddle Method at 50 rpm in 900 ml simulated gastric fluid (SGF) without enzymes at 37° C., is within 15% of the amount of active agent released from an intact dosage form at the same time period when measured in a USP Type 2, Paddle Method at 50 rpm in 900 ml simulated gastric fluid without enzymes (SGF) with 0% ethanol at 37°.

In certain embodiments, the amount of active agent released from a crushed dosage form at 0.5 hour, 1 hour, 2 hours or 4 hours when measured in a USP Type 2, Paddle Method at 50 rpm in 900 ml simulated gastric fluid (SGF) without enzymes at 37° C., is within 10% of the amount of active agent released from an intact dosage form at the same time period when measured in a USP Type 2, Paddle Method at 50 rpmin 900 ml simulated gastric fluid without enzymes (SGF) with 0% ethanol at 37°.

In certain embodiments, the amount of active agent released from a crushed dosage form at 0.5 hour, 1 hour, 2 hours or 4 hours when measured in a USP Type 2, Paddle Method at 50 rpm in 900 ml simulated gastric fluid (SGF) without enzymes at 37° C., is within 5% of the amount of active agent released from an intact dosage form at the same time period when measured in a USP Type 2, Paddle Method at 50 rpm in 900 ml simulated gastric fluid without enzymes (SGF) with 0% ethanol at 37°.

The dosage forms of the present invention can include additional excipients in order to, e.g., aid manufacturing, provide additional tamper resistance, further modify the release rate, or further modify alcohol resistance.

Additional excipients may include at least one excipient selected from the group consisting of bulking agents or fillers, plasticizers, stabilizers, diluents, lubricants, disintegrants, binders, granulating aids, colorants, flavorants, and glidants.

The drug susceptible to abuse can be dry-blended with the internal adhesion promoter and any additional excipients prior to being formed into core particles. In certain embodiments, the materials can be wet-granulated, dried, and optionally milled to prepare the core particles.

In certain embodiments, the controlled release material can be included in the core particles, alternatively, or in addition to, the controlled release matrix or coating. The controlled release matrix or coating can include one or more controlled release materials and optional pore former and be mixed with, granulated with or layered over the core particles to achieve a weight gain, e.g., of from about 1% to about 500%, from about 25% to about 400%, or from about 50% to about 300% (w/w).

The dosage forms can also include a coating to enhance cosmetic appearance and/or to reduce tackiness. Examples of materials to be utilized as a film coat include hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, lactose, and mixtures thereof. The film coat can be: (i) an outer coating directly coated onto a dosage form (e.g., a compressed tablet or an individual particle), or (ii) an intermediate coating between the core and the controlled release matrix or coating and/or the controlled release matrix or coating and the alcohol resistant matrix or coating.

In certain embodiments, the plurality of particles can be combined with additional excipients prior to being compressed into a tablet. Such additional excipients can be disintegrants, fillers, flow aids, lubricants and gelling agents. The gelling agent can be in an amount to be an aversive agent by forming a viscous solution upon introduction with a small amount of a solvent. The resultant viscosity would hinder the ability to have the active agent contained therein administered by the parenteral or nasal route.

The disintegrant can be an agent such as, e.g., polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium starch glycolate, crosscarmellose sodium, or a mixture thereof. The filler or diluent can be an agent such as, e.g., lactose, dextrose, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, or a mixture thereof.

The gelling agent utilized in certain embodiments of the present invention can be selected from sugars, sugar derived alcohols (e.g., mannitol, sorbitol, and the like), starch and starch derivatives, cellulose derivatives (e.g., microcrystalline cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, methylcellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), attapulgites, bentonites, dextrins, alginates, carrageenan, gums (e.g., gum tragacanth, gum acacia, guar gum, and xanthan gum), pectin, gelatin, kaolin, lecithin, magnesium aluminum silicate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, silicon dioxide, curdlan, furcelleran, egg white powder, lacto albumin, soy protein, chitosan, surfactants, mixed surfactant/wetting agent systems, emulsifiers, other polymeric materials, and mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, the gelling agent is xanthan gum. In other embodiments, the gelling agent is pectin. The pectin or pectic substances include purified or isolated pectates and crude natural pectin from sources such as apple, citrus or sugar beet residues which have been subjected, when necessary, to esterification or de-esterification (e.g., by alkali or enzymes). The pectins may also be derived from citrus fruits such as lime, lemon, grapefruit, and orange. In particular embodiments, the gelling agent may be selected from the group consisting of pregelatinized starch (e.g., Swelstar® from Asahi Kasei), hydroxyethylcellulose (e.g., Natrosol® from Ashland Inc.), guar gum (e.g., Supercol® from Ashland Inc.), xanthan gum, alginate, carrageenan, polyethyelene oxide and a mixture thereof.

In addition to gelling agents, the dosage forms of the present invention can include other aversive agents to further deter the illicit use of the drug contained therein. These other aversive agents can be, e.g., an emetic, an antagonist, a bittering agent, an irritant, or a mixture thereof. They can be incorporated into the particles, or added separately within a capsule or as additional tableting excipients.

The emetic may be selected from, e.g., the group consisting of methyl cephaeline, cephaeline, emetine hydrochloride, psychotrine, O-methylpsychotrine, emetamine, ipecamine, hydro-ipecamine, ipecacunhic acid and mixtures thereof. In particular embodiments, the emetic is ipecac.

The antagonist may be selected from, e.g., the group consisting of naltrexone, naloxone, nalmefene, cyclazacine, levallorphan, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and mixtures thereof.

The bittering agent may be selected from, e.g., the group consisting of flavor oils, flavoring aromatics, oleoresins, plant extracts, leaf extracts, flower extracts, fruit extracts, sucrose derivatives, chlorosucrose derivatives, quinine sulphate, denatonium benzoate and mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, the bittering agent is spearmint oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, oil of nutmeg, allspice, mace, oil of bitter almonds, menthol or a mixture thereof. In other embodiments, the bittering agent extracted from a fruit is selected from the group consisting of lemon, orange, lime, grapefruit, and mixtures thereof. In a particular embodiment, the bittering agent is denatonium benzoate.

The irritant may be selected from, e.g., a surfactant, capsaicin or a capsaicin analog. The capsaicin analog can be selected from the group consisting of resiniferatoxin, tinyatoxin, heptanoylisobutylamide, heptanoyl guaiacylamide, an isobutylamide, a guaiacylamide, dihydrocapsaicin, homovanillyl octylester, nonanoyl vanillylamide, and mixtures thereof.

The surfactant can be selected from the group consisting of poloxamer, a sorbitan monoester, a glyceryl monooleate, sodium lauryl sulfate and mixtures thereof.

The surfactant can be included in the dosage form in an amount, e.g., from about 1% to about 25% (w/w) of the dosage form; from about 4% to about 15% (w/w) of the dosage form; from about 2.5% to about 10% (w/w) of the dosage form or from about 8% to about 12% (w/w) of the dosage form.

In embodiments using gelling agents, the solid oral dosage forms of the present invention when mixed or crushed and mixed (with or without heat) with from about 0.5 to about 10 ml of distilled water, provides a viscosity that prevents or reduces the ability of the drug from being drawn up into a syringe, or systemically absorbed when parenteral or nasal administration is attempted.

In certain embodiments, the viscosity after tampering with from about 0.5 to about 10 ml of distilled water is at least about 10 cP, at least about 50 cP, at least about 100 cP, at least about 500 cP or at least about 1,000 cP.

In certain embodiments, the viscosity after tampering with from about 0.5 to about 10 ml of distilled water is from about 50 cP to about 100,000 cP; from about 75 cP to about 50,000 cP; from about 100 cP to about 25,000 cP; from about 150 cP to about 10,000 cP; from about 200 cP to about 5,000 cP; or from about 250 cP to about 1,000 cP.

In certain embodiments, the recovery of the drug is, e.g., less than about 50%, less than about 40%, less than about 30%, less than about 20%, less than about 10%, less than about 8%, less than about 6%, less than about 4%, less than about 2%, less than about 1%, less than about 0.8%, less than about 0.6%, less than about 0.4%, or less than less than about 0.2%, based on a syringability test whereby the dosage form is mixed or crushed and mixed with 5 mL solvent and the resultant solution is aspired with a 27 gauge needle.

The solvent utilized in the syringability test can be, e.g., tap water, distilled water, sterile saline, vinegar or 40% ethanol. Also, during the syringability test, the solvent (before or after mixing with the dosage form) can be subject to heat from any source such as, e.g., by the use of a butane lighter.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the recovery of the drug is, e.g., less than about 10%, less than about 8%, less than about 6%, less than about 4%, less than about 2%, less than about 1%, less than about 0.8%, less than about 0.6%, less than about 0.4%, or less than less than about 0.2%, based on both heated and unheated syringability tests, whereby the dosage form is mixed or crushed and mixed with 5 mL solvent and the resultant solution is aspired with a 27 gauge needle.

In certain embodiments, the ratio of extraction from an unheated syringability test to a heated syringability test is from about 1:5 to about 5:1; from about 1:4 to about 4:1; from about 1:3 to about 3:1; from about 1:2 to about 2:1; from about 1:1.5 to about 1.5:1; from about 1:1.3 to about 1.3:1 or from about 1:1.1 to about 1.1:1.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the recovery of the drug from small volume extraction at 10 minutes and/or 60 minutes is, e.g., less than about 90%, less than about 80%, less than about 70%, less than about 60%, less than about 50%, less than about 40%, less than about 30%, less than about 20%, less than about 10%, less than about 8%, less than about 6%, less than about 4%, less than about 2%, less than about 1%, less than about 0.8%, less than about 0.6%, less than about 0.4%, or less than less than about 0.2%, based on both heated and unheated extraction tests, whereby the dosage form is mixed or crushed and mixed with 30 mL of a solvent. The small volume extraction can be measured, e.g., by the procedures of Example 3.

In certain embodiments, the ratio of extraction from an unheated small volume extraction test at 10 minutes and/or 60 minutes to a corresponding heated extraction test is from about 1:50 to about 50:1; from about 1:40 to about 40:1; from about 1:30 to about 30:1; from about 1:20 to about 20:1; from about 1:10 to about 10:1; from about 1:5 to about 5:1; from about 1:4 to about 4:1; from about 1:3 to about 3:1; from about 1:2 to about 2:1; from about 1:1.5 to about 1.5:1; from about 1:1.3 to about 1.3:1 or from about 1:1.1 to about 1.1:11.

Active Agents

In certain embodiments, any of the following active agents can be used in the solid oral dosage form of the present invention: ACE inhibitors, adenohypophoseal hormones, adrenergic neuron blocking agents, adrenocortical steroids, inhibitors of the biosynthesis of adrenocortical steroids, alpha-adrenergic agonists, alpha-adrenergic antagonists, selective alpha-two-adrenergic agonists, analgesics, anti-pyretics, anti-inflammatory agents, androgens, local and general anesthetics, anti-addictive agents, anti-androgens, anti-arrhythmic agents, anti-asthmatic agents, anti-cholinergic agents, anti-cholinesterase agents, anti-coagulants, anti-diabetic agents, anti-diarrheal agents, anti-diuretic, anti-emetic agents, pro-kinetic agents, anti-epileptic agents, anti-estrogens, anti-fungal agents, anti-hypertensive agents, anti-microbial agents, anti-migraine agents, anti-muscarinic agents, anti-neoplastic agents, anti-parasitic agents, anti-parkinson's agents, anti-platelet agents, anti-progestins, anti-schizophrenia agents, anti-thyroid agents, anti-tussives, anti-viral agents, atypical anti-depressants, azaspirodecanediones, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, benzothiadiazides, beta-adrenergic agonists, beta-adrenergic antagonists, selective beta-one-adrenergic antagonists, selective beta-two-adrenergic agonists, bile salts, agents affecting volume and composition of body fluids, butyrophenones, agents affecting calcification, calcium channel blockers, cardiovascular drugs, cannabinoids, catecholamines and sympathomimetic drugs, cholinergic agonists, cholinesterase reactivators, contraceptive agents, dermatological agents, diphenylbutylpiperidines, diuretics, ergot alkaloids, estrogens, ganglionic blocking agents, ganglionic stimulating agents, hydantoins, agents for control of gastric acidity and treatment of peptic ulcers, hematopoietic agents, histamines, histamine antagonists, hormones, 5-hydroxytryptamine antagonists, drugs for the treatment of hyperlipoproteinemia, hypnotics, sedatives, immunosupressive agents, laxatives, methylxanthines, moncamine oxidase inhibitors, neuromuscular blocking agents, organic nitrates, opioid agonists, opioid antagonists, pancreatic enzymes, phenothiazines, progestins, prostaglandins, agents for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, psychotropics, retinoids, sodium channel blockers, agents for spasticity and acute muscle spasms, succinimides, testosterones, thioxanthines, thrombolytic agents, thyroid agents, tricyclic antidepressants, inhibitors of tubular transport of organic compounds, drugs affecting uterine motility, vasodilators, vitamins, and mixtures thereof.

In certain embodiments, the active agent is a drug susceptible to abuse (e.g., an opioid agonist). In such embodiments, the opioid agonist is selected from the group consisting of alfentanil, allylprodine, alphaprodine, anileridine, benzylmorphine, bezitramide, buprenorphine, butorphanol, clonitazene, codeine, desomorphine, dextromoramide, dezocine, diampromide, diamorphone, dihydrocodeine, dihydromorphine, dimenoxadol, dimepheptanol, dimethylthiambutene, dioxaphetyl butyrate, dipipanone, eptazocine, ethoheptazine, ethylmethylthiambutene, ethylmorphine, etonitazene, fentanyl, heroin, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, hydroxypethidine, isomethadone, ketobemidone, levorphanol, levophenacylmorphan, lofentanil, meperidine, meptazinol, metazocine, methadone, metopon, morphine, myrophine, nalbuphine, narceine, nicomorphine, norlevorphanol, normethadone, nalorphine, normorphine, norpipanone, opium, oxycodone, oxymorphone, papavereturn, pentazocine, phenadoxone, phenomorphan, phenazocine, phenoperidine, piminodine, piritramide, proheptazine, promedol, properidine, propiram, propoxyphene, sufentanil, tilidine, tramadol, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, the opioid agonist is selected from the group consisting of codeine, fentanyl, hydromorphone, hydrocodone, oxycodone, dihydrocodeine, dihydromorphine, morphine, tramadol, oxymorphone, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and mixtures thereof.

In certain embodiments, the opioid agonist is oxycodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof (e.g., oxycodone hydrochloride) in an amount, e.g., from about 2.5 mg to about 320 mg, or in an amount of about 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, 120 mg, 160 mg or 320 mg.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, wherein the active agent is oxycodone hydrochloride, the oxycodone hydrochloride has a 14-hydroxycodeinone level of less than about 25 ppm, less than about 15 ppm, less than about 10 ppm, less than about 5 ppm, less than about 2 ppm, less than about 1 ppm, less than about 0.5 ppm or less than about 0.25 ppm.

WO 2005/097801 A1, U.S. Pat. No. 7,129,248 B2 and US 2006/0173029 A1, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference, describe a process for preparing oxycodone hydrochloride having reduced levels of 14-hydroxycodeinone.

In certain embodiments, the opioid agonist is morphine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof (e.g., morphine sulfate) in an amount, e.g., of from about 15 mg to about 200 mg, or in an amount of about 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, 100 mg, 120 mg, 150 mg or 200 mg.

The solid oral dosage forms of the present invention can provide a controlled release of the active agent. Certain embodiments can also provide a first portion of the active agent for immediate release and a second portion of the active agent for controlled release. For example, an immediate release portion of the drug can be layered over the particles of the dosage form or can be included in additional tablet excipients of which the particles are embedded.

In certain embodiments, the solid oral dosage form of the present invention comprises an active agent that is an opioid antagonist (with or without an opioid agonist). In such embodiments, the opioid antagonist is selected from the group consisting of amiphenazole, naltrexone, methylnaltrexone, naloxone, nalbuphine, nalorphine, nalorphine dinicotinate, nalmefene, nadide, levallorphan, cyclozocine, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and mixtures thereof.

In certain embodiments, the solid oral dosage form of the present invention comprises an active agent that is a non-opioid analgesic. In such embodiments, the non-opioid analgesic is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent selected from the group consisting of aspirin, celecoxib, ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, benoxaprofen, flurbiprofen, fenoprofen, flubufen, ketoprofen, indoprofen, piroprofen, carprofen, oxaprozin, pramoprofen, muroprofen, trioxaprofen, suprofen, aminoprofen, tiaprofenic acid, fluprofen, bucloxic acid, indomethacin, sulindac, tolmetin, zomepirac, tiopinac, zidometacin, acemetacin, fentiazac, clidanac, oxpinac, mefenamic acid, meclofenamic acid, flufenamic acid, niflumic acid, tolfenamic acid, diflurisal, flufenisal, piroxicam, sudoxicam, isoxicam, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and mixtures thereof.

In other embodiments, the present invention is directed to the dosage forms disclosed herein utilizing active agents such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates or amphetamines, their antagonists, or combinations thereof.

Benzodiazepines to be used in the present invention may be selected from alprazolam, bromazepam, chlordiazepoxide, clorazepate, diazepam, estazolam, flurazepam, halazepam, ketazolam, lorazepam, nitrazepam, oxazepam, prazepam, quazepam, temazepam, triazolam, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, and solvates and mixtures thereof. Benzodiazepine antagonists that can be used in the present invention include, but are not limited to, flumazenil and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, and solvates.

Barbiturates to be used in the present invention include, but are not limited to, amobarbital, aprobarbotal, butabarbital, butalbital, methohexital, mephobarbital, metharbital, pentobarbital, phenobarbital, secobarbital and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, and solvates mixtures thereof. Barbiturate antagonists that can be used in the present invention include, but are not limited to, amphetamines and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, and solvates.

Stimulants to be used in the present invention include, but are not limited to, amphetamines, such as amphetamine, dextroamphetamine resin complex, dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine, methylphenidate and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, and solvates and mixtures thereof. Stimulant antagonists that can be used in the present invention include, but are not limited to, benzodiazepines, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, and solvates as described herein.

Certain embodiments contain more than one active agent. For example, the dosage forms disclosed herein can contain both an opioid agonist and a non-opioid analgesic. In particular embodiments, the non-opioid analgesic is acetaminophen or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin or diclofenac) and the opioid agonist is oxycodone, hydrocodone or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof (e.g., oxycodone hydrochloride or hydrocodone bitratrate).

The following examples are set forth to assist in understanding the invention and should not be construed as specifically limiting the invention described and claimed herein. Such variations of the invention, including the substitution of all equivalents now known or later developed, which would be within the purview of those skilled in the art, and changes in formulation or minor changes in experimental design, are to be considered to fall within the scope of the invention incorporated herein.

EXAMPLES Example 1A Preparation of Oxycodone-Eudragit NE Granules

Oxycodone HCl-Eudragit NE granules were prepared with various additives to determine the effect the additives have on the adherence of Eudragit NE (NE) to Oxycodone HCl.

Oxycodone HCl was granulated with HPMC, Nonoxynol 9 or Carbopol in a high shear granulator to form seed granules These Oxycodone HCl seed granules were screened then further granulated/layered with Eudragit NE dispersion containing MC A15C (methyl cellulose) in a Rotor-granulator, followed by drying in the rotor-granulator. The ratios of the ingredients are shown in Table 1A below.

TABLE 1A Components % Oxycodone HCl 5.8 5.5 5.3 5.5 Eudragit NE 93.7 93.7 93.7 93.7 Methyl Cellulose A15C 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 HPMC E5 0 0.3 0 0 Nonoxynol 9 0 0 0.5 0 Carbopol 71G 0 0 0 0.3

The granules were then tested for dissolution after tampering, and the results for Oxycodone-Eudragit NE granules with no additives, Oxycodone-Eudragit NE granules with HPMC, Oxycodone-Eudragit NE granules with Nonoxynol and Oxycodone-Eudragit NE granules with Carbopol are shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D, respectively.

Example 1B Preparation of Oxycodone-NE Granules with Lactose

Since the Oxycodone HCl-Eudragit NE granules with Carbopol exhibited the best tamper resistance, Oxycodone-NE granules with Carbopol were prepared in accordance with Example 1A, with varying amounts of Oxycodone HCl, MC A40M, Eudragit NE and lactose to determine the effects on dissolution in SGF. The amounts of components of the various formulations prepared are shown in Table 1B below.

TABLE 1B Components % % % Internal Oxycodone HCl 5.9 5.8 44.2 Core Carbopol 0.3 2.1 2.2 MC A40M 37.0 36.3 0 NE Eudragit NE 54.1 51.9 48.7 Layer Lactose 2.7 3.9 4.9

Dissolution was then tested, and the results are shown in FIG. 2. As shown, in the absence of internal MC A40M, higher levels of lactose (10% relative to NE) were not able to increase dissolution rate from Oxycodone-NE granules. However, the presence of internal MC had an enhancing effect on the dissolution rate of the Oxycodone-NE.

Example 1C Oxycodone HCl:Eudragit NE Ratio

Oxycodone HCl-Eudragit granules were prepared in accordance with Example 1A, with varying amounts of components to determine the relationship between particle size and resistance to milling. Particle sizes greater than 600 μm and less than 600 μm were prepared. The amounts of components in the various formulations prepared are shown in Table 1C below.

TABLE 1C Particle Particle >600 μm <600 μm ~80% of all ~20% of all particles particles Components % % Internal Oxycodone HCl 5.9 1.5 core Carbopol 0.3 0.1 MC A40M 37.0 9.5 NE Eudragit NE 54.1 84.7 layer Lactose 2.7 4.2

Dissolution was then tested, and the results for granules greater than 600 μm and less than 600 μm are shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, respectively. As shown, the smaller sized granules had higher Eudragit NE loading, and better resistance to milling.

Next, the formulations were varied to test the effects of the amounts of Carbopol and lactose on the formulation. The amounts of components in the various formulations prepared are shown in Table 1D below.

TABLE 1D Particle Particle >600 μm <600 μm ~52% of all ~48% of all particles particles Components % % Internal Oxycodone HCl 5.8 3.4 core Carbopol 2.1 1.3 MC A40M 36.3 21.6 NE Eudragit NE 51.9 68.6 layer Lactose 3.9 5.1

Dissolution was then tested, and the results for granules greater than 600 μm and less than 600 μm are shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively. As shown, increasing levels of Carbopol and lactose improved granule particle size and level of Eudragit NE uniformity. Similar to Example 1C, the smaller sized granules had higher Eudragit NE loading, and better resistance to milling.

The Oxycodone HCl-Eudragit NE granules with Carbopol having a particle size of less than 600 μm were then tested for alcohol resistance in 40% EtOH/SGF. The results are shown in FIG. 5. As shown, the Oxycodone HCl-Eudragit granules were not alcohol resistant.

Example 1D Film Coating

In an attempt to improve alcohol resistance, the Oxycodone HCl-Eudragit NE granules with Carbopol of Example 1C were coated with an external layer of MC A15LV. The amounts of the components of the formulation are shown in Table 1E below.

TABLE 1E Components % Internal Oxycodone HCl 3.2 Carbopol 1.2 MC A40M 20.4 NE Eudragit NE 65.5 Layer Lactose 4.9 External MC A15LV 4.8 Layer

This formulation was then tested for alcohol resistance and the data compared with the formulation without the external MC layer, as shown in FIG. 6. As shown, the addition of the 4.8% film coating of MC A15LV did not improve alcohol resistance.

Example 1E Granulation with External Excipients

The formulation was then modified to replace the external coat of MC A15LV by wet granulation with extra-granular MCA40M (granulated with water). The amounts of this formulation, as compared to the formulation without the extra-granular MC, and with a higher level of extra-granular MC, are shown in Table 1F below.

TABLE 1F Core Oxycodone- Low Ext. High Ext. NE MCA40M MCA40M Components % % % Internal Oxycodone HCl 3.4 1.7 1.1 Carbopol 1.3 0.6 0.4 MC A40M 21.6 10.8 7.2 NE Layer Eudragit NE 68.6 34.6 23.1 Lactose 5.1 2.6 1.7 External MC A40M 0 49.7 66.5 Layer

The extra-granular MC A40M formulation was then tested for alcohol resistance, and the results are shown in FIG. 7. As shown, there was no improvement on alcohol resistance.

Next, Carbopol was added to the extra-granular layer in the amounts shown in Table 1G below.

TABLE 1G External MC A40M External MC Core granulated A40M Oxycodone- without granulated NE carbopol with carbopol Components % % % Internal Oxycodone HCl 3.4 1.7 2.6 Carbopol 1.3 0.6 0.9 MC A40M 21.6 10.8 16.3 NE Eudragit NE 68.6 34.6 52.4 Layer Lactose 5.1 2.6 3.9 External MCA40M 0 49.7 19.0 Layer Carbopol 0 0 4.9

Oxycodone HCl-Eudragit NE granules were prepared with various levels of additives to determine the effect the additives have on the adherence of Eudragit NE to MC A40M and consequently on alcohol resistance

The extra-granular MCA40M/Carbopol formulation was then tested for alcohol resistance, and the results are shown in FIG. 8. As shown, the granulation of external MC A40M with Carbopol solution as a binder improved binding and adhesiveness of the external MC A40M to the Eudragit NE, thereby improving the alcohol resistance.

To determine the effect of the amount of Carbopol on alcohol resistance, the amount of Carbopol was doubled, as shown in Table 1F below.

TABLE 1F Oxycodone- Oxycodone- Core NE-MC NE-MC Oxycodone- (lower level (higher level NE of ext. of ext. granules MCA40M) MCA40M) Components % % % Internal Oxycodone HCl 3.4 2.6 2.1 Carbopol 1.3 0.9 0.8 MC A40M 21.6 16.3 13.2 NE Layer Eudragit NE 68.6 52.4 42.2 Lactose 5.1 3.9 3.2 External MCA40M 0 19.0 30.7 Layer Carbopol 0 4.9 7.8

The extra-granular MCA40M/Carbopol formulation was then tested for alcohol resistance, and the results are shown in FIG. 9. As shown, increased amount of Carbopol did not improve alcohol resistance.

The dissolution of the 4.9% Carbopol (external layer) formulation was then tested, and the results are shown in FIG. 10. As shown, the external layer of MC/Carbopol also helps to increase the dissolution in SGF.

The formulation was then tested for resistance to milling, and the results are shown in FIG. 11. As shown, the external layer of MC/Carbopol did not compromise the resistance of the granules to milling.

Example 2 Oxycodone HCl-Eudragit NE Tablet Preparation

Tablet formulations were prepared as follows:

Internal Core Stage 1 Equipment

Vector GMX Micro High-Shear granulator

Glatt Fluid Bed Dryer—Model Versa Glatt Comil Comminuting Mill Stainless Steel Screens—US Std. #18, #30 Procedure

-   -   1. A 4% w/w binder solution of carbopol 71G in 0.1 N HCl was         prepared.     -   2. Carbopol in the internal core was added in two parts. 60% of         the carbopol was added dry with Oxycodone HCl and methyl         cellulose (MCA40M) in the granulator. Remainder 40% carbopol was         added as the binder solution (Step 1).     -   3. The ingredients for the internal core-oxycodone HCl, methyl         cellulose A40M (MC) and carbopol were charged into the bowl of         high-shear granulator (impeller speed 300 rpm, chopper speed 300         rpm) and dry mixed for 1 minute.     -   4. The mixture from step 3 was granulated with carbopol binder         solution which was sprayed at 20 g/min.     -   5. If required additional water was sprayed during granulation         to obtain a cohesive free flowing mass.     -   6. The wet granulation was milled through Comil fitted with mesh         #18 (1000 micron opening).     -   7. The wet milled granulation was dried in a fluid bed dryer at         inlet temperature of 45° C., at an air volume adjusted to         fluidize the bed. The moisture content of the dried granulation         was <5%.     -   8. The dried granulation was milled through Comil fitted with         mesh #30 (600 micron opening).

Eudragit NE Layer Stage 2 Equipment

Vector VFC-Lab3 Flo-Coater with GXR-35 rotor—also called Rotor-granulator

Stainless Steel Screen—US Std. #30 Hotpack Tray Dryer Procedure

-   -   1. Binder solution was prepared by mixing Eudragit NE dispersion         (27.9% Eudragit NE solids) and lactose monohydrate (2.1%) to         obtain total solids content of 30% w/w in the dispersion.     -   2. The milled internal core granulation from Step 8/stage 1 was         charged into the chamber of the rotor-granulator.     -   3. The rotor was operated at plate speed=300 rpm, slit airflow=8         cfm, and inlet/slit temperature=25° C.     -   4. Water was sprayed at a rate of 3.5 g/min until product         temperature was below 16° C.     -   5. When the product temperature was less than 16° C., Eudragit         NE-Lactose dispersion spray was begun at 3.5 g/min.     -   6. The product temperature was monitored and controlled such         that it stayed between 14-16° C. The product temperature was         controlled by adjusting binder spray rate, slit airflow, and         slit temperature.     -   7. Granule samples were removed at various levels of Eudragit NE         loading for testing. The granule samples were screened through         mesh #30, cured in a tray dryer at 60° C. for 24 hours, and         tested for drug release from intact and milled/crushed granules.     -   8. The end point of Eudragit NE-Lactose layering was determined         by dissolution results from step 7, i.e. dissolution in SGF from         intact and milled/crushed granules was similar. When the         end-point was reached, Eudragit NE-Lactose dispersion spraying         was stopped.     -   9. The granules were dried in the rotor at 25° C. till a         moisture content of less than 5% was obtained.     -   10. The granules were discharged from the rotor and screened         through sieve #30 (opening 600 microns).     -   11. The granules which passed through sieve #30 were cured in a         tray dryer at 60° C. for 24 hours.

External Layer Stage 3 Equipment

Vector GMX Micro High-Shear granulator

Glatt Fluid Bed Dryer—Model Versa Glatt Comil Comminuting Mill Stainless Steel Screens—US Std. #18 Procedure

-   -   1. A 4% w/w binder solution of carbopol 71G in 0.1 N HCl was         prepared.     -   2. Carbopol in the external layer was added in two parts. 60% of         the carbopol was added dry with cured, screened granules from         Step 11/stage 2 and methyl cellulose (MC) in the granulator.         Remainder 40% of carbopol was added as the binder solution (step         1).     -   3. The ingredients for the external layer—cured, screened         granules from Step 11/stage 2, methyl cellulose A40M (MC) and         carbopol were charged into the bowl of high-shear granulator         (impeller speed 300 rpm, chopper speed 300 rpm) and dry mixed         for 1 minute.     -   4. The mixture from step 3 was granulated with carbopol binder         solution (step 1) which was sprayed at 20 g/min.     -   5. If required, additional water was sprayed during granulation         to obtain a cohesive free flowing mass.     -   6. The wet granulation was milled through Comil fitted with mesh         #18 (1000 micron opening).     -   7. The wet milled granulation was dried in a fluid bed dryer at         inlet temperature of 45° C., at an air volume adjusted to         fluidize the bed. The moisture content of the dried granulation         was less than 5%.     -   8. The dried granulation was milled through Comil fitted with         mesh #18 (1000 micron opening).

The amounts of the components in the tablet formulation are shown in Table 2 below.

TABLE 2 Components % Internal Oxycodone HCl 2.6 Core Carbopol 0.9 MC A40M 16.3 NE Eudragit NE 52.4 Layer Lactose 3.9 External MC A40M 19.0 Layer Carbopol 4.9

Dissolution of the prepared tablets was performed as follows:

-   -   1. Apparatus USP Type 2, paddles, 50 rpm at 37° C.     -   2. Sampling time—every 30 minutes up to 720 minutes.     -   3. Media—900 ml simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH 1.2), or         Simulated gastric fluid+Ethanol (60:40 v/v)     -   4. Analytical method—UV analysis, Distek Fiber Optic Dissolution         System (Distek Opt-Diss 405) at wavelength 280 nm, double         wavelength correction.

Assay

-   -   1. Sample diluted with simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH 1.2)     -   2. Analytical method—UV analysis, Distek Fiber Optic Dissolution         System (Distek Opt-Diss 405) at wavelength 280 nm, double         wavelength correction.

Milling

-   -   1. 1 dose was added to the chamber of Krups coffee mill and         milled for 15 sec, switching off for 10 sec. This procedure was         repeated 3 more times for a total milling time of 60 sec.     -   2. Dissolution testing of milled samples in SGF was performed as         described in “Dissolution” above.

Crushing

-   -   1. 1 dose was added to a glass mortar and triturated/crushed         with pestle continuously for 2 minutes.     -   2. Dissolution testing of crushed samples in SGF was performed         as described in “Dissolution” above.

The dissolution of the tablet formulation, intact in SGF and crushed and milled in SGF is shown in FIG. 12A. The dissolution of the tablet formulation, intact in alcohol/SGF and crushed and milled in alcohol/SGF is shown in FIG. 12B.

Example 3 Small Volume Extraction & Syringeability Studies

The tablets of Example 2 were tested for extractability by small volume of various solvents at various temperatures. The studies were performed as follows:

Small Volume Extraction:

-   -   1. One dose of sample was milled in Krups coffee mill and         transferred to a 60-ml glass vial with plastic closure     -   2. 30 ml solvent was added to the vial and shaken in a water         bath shaker at room and elevated temperatures (50° C. for         organic solvents, 95° C. for aqueous solvents).     -   3. Aliquots of sample (5.0 mL) were removed at 10 and 60 min,         diluted, filtered and assayed for drug content.

List of Extraction Solvents

Water, pH 3 buffer, pH 10 buffer, 40% Ethanol, Cooking Oil

The results after 10 minutes and 60 minutes are shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, respectively.

Syringability: Room Temperature Samples

-   -   1. One dose of sample was milled in Krups coffee mill, added to         a vial with 5 ml distilled water and shaken by hand for 30         seconds.     -   2. Using a 18, 22, 25 or 27 gauge needle fitted on a 5 mL         syringe, attempt was made to aspirate as much liquid as possible         during a 5-minute time period. For the 10 minute time         point—sample was allowed to stay in vial for 10 minutes before         attempting to syringe.     -   3. The amount of drug extracted was assayed.

Heated Samples

-   -   1. One dose of sample was milled in Krups coffee mill, added to         a vial with 5 ml distilled water. The sample was heated in vial         with a butane lighter and shaken by hand for 30 seconds.     -   2. Using a 18, 22, 25 or 27 gauge needle fitted on a 5 mL         syringe, attempt was made to aspirate as much liquid as possible         during a 5-minute time period. For the 10 minute time         point—sample was allowed to stay in vial for 10 minutes before         attempting to syringe.     -   3. The amount of drug extracted was assayed.         The results are shown in FIG. 14 

1. A solid oral dosage form comprising a plurality of particles, each particle comprising a core comprising an active agent susceptible to abuse and an internal adhesion promoter, wherein the cores are (i) dispersed in a matrix comprising a controlled release material or (ii) coated with a controlled release material.
 2. The solid oral dosage form of claim 1, wherein the core further comprises a dissolution enhancer.
 3. The solid oral dosage form of claim 1, wherein the coating or matrix further comprises a pore former.
 4. The solid oral dosage form of claim 1, further comprising an alcohol resistant material.
 5. The solid oral dosage form of claim 4, further comprising an external adhesion promoter to promote the adhesion of the alcohol resistant material and the controlled release material.
 6. The solid oral dosage form of claim 1, wherein the controlled release material is a polymer.
 7. The solid oral dosage form of claim 1, wherein the controlled release material is an acrylic polymer.
 8. The solid oral dosage form of claim 1, wherein controlled release material is a neutral acrylic polymer.
 9. The solid oral dosage form of claim 1, wherein the internal adhesion promoter is selected from the group consisting of a cellulosic material, a surfactant, a carbomer and a mixture thereof. 10-13. (canceled)
 14. The solid oral dosage form of claim 2, wherein the dissolution enhancer is a cellulosic material.
 15. The solid oral dosage form of claim 2, wherein the dissolution enhancer is an alkylycellulose.
 16. The solid oral dosage form of claim 2, wherein the dissolution enhancer is methylcellulose.
 17. The solid oral dosage form of claim 3, wherein the pore former is a polysaccharide.
 18. The solid oral dosage form of claim 3, wherein the pore former is selected from the group consisting of lactose, dextrose, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, methylcellulose and a mixture thereof.
 19. The solid oral dosage form of claim 4, wherein the alcohol resistant material is a cellulosic material.
 20. The solid oral dosage form of claim 4, wherein the alcohol resistant material is an alkylcellulose.
 21. The solid oral dosage form of claim 4, wherein the alcohol resistant material is methylcellulose.
 22. The solid oral dosage form of claim 5, wherein the external adhesion promoter is selected from the group consisting of a cellulosic material, a surfactant, a carbomer and a mixture thereof. 23-77. (canceled)
 78. The solid oral dosage form of claim 1, wherein the active agent is selected from the group consisting of opioid agonists, tranquilizers, CNS depressants, CNS stimulants, sedative hypnotics, and mixtures thereof.
 79. The solid oral dosage form of claim 1, wherein the active agent is an opioid agonist.
 80. The solid oral dosage form of claim 79, wherein the opioid agonist is selected from the group consisting of codeine, morphine, oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and mixtures thereof.
 81. The solid oral dosage form of claim 79, wherein the opioid agonist is oxycodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 82. The solid oral dosage form of claim 81, comprising from about 5 mg to about 320 mg oxycodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 83-84. (canceled)
 85. A solid oral dosage form comprising a plurality of particles, each particle comprising a core comprising an opioid agonist and a carbomer, wherein the cores are (i) dispersed in a matrix comprising a neutral acrylic polymer and a pore former (ii) coated with a neutral acrylic polymer and a pore former; wherein the dosage form further comprises an alkylcellulose.
 86. A process for preparing a solid oral dosage form comprising preparing a plurality of particles by (i) granulating an active agent susceptible to abuse and an internal adhesion promoter to form core granules and (ii) coating or granulating the core granules with a controlled release material to obtain controlled release granules. 87-89. (canceled)
 90. A method of treating a disease or condition comprising administering a solid oral dosage form according to claim
 1. 91. A method of treating pain in a patient in need thereof comprising administering a solid oral dosage form according to claim
 79. 92-96. (canceled) 